$1 million awarded to Port of Sunnyside

The Port of Sunnyside last week learned the Community Economic Revitalization Board approved $1 million in funding for the pipeline that will supply treated wastewater to its new wetlands.

Approximately $150,000 of the funding awarded will be in the form of grant monies and the remainder will be a loan that must be paid by the end of 2033.

Port of Sunnyside Project Development and Property Manager Jed Crowther said 2.3 percent interest will be paid on the loan.

He said the funding will be used for the construction of a pumping station at the port's wastewater treatment plant, as well as the pipeline, which is projected to cost nearly $5 million.

The Port of Sunnyside has actively sought funding for the project and has been awarded a $500,000 loan from Supporting Investments in Economic Development (SIED) and has applied for funding from National Wildlife and Fisheries.

More than $2 million will be sought from the Department of Ecology this coming November.

Crowther said the Port of Sunnyside is pleased to have been awarded the Community Economic Development Board funding because the board has exhibited a strong working relationship with the port.

The economic impact for Sunnyside will be felt from start to finish, he said.

Crowther said JM Eagle may even benefit from the project because the Sunnyside plant is currently operational and manufactures the type of pipe the port will be seeking to use for its pipelines, high density polyethylene.

Crowther said the manufacturer is the closest to the community, being local, and will have an opportunity to submit a bid on the project with other firms early next year.